TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – On the first day of the Pacesetter Sports Invitational, hosted by Indiana State, senior Tessa Holland got the Illinois State men's and women's track teams off to a hot start, winning the women's javelin competition.
IN THE FIELD
Holland emerged victorious after a throw of 37.55m (123-02), notching her second javelin win of the season. Her first win came at the Redbird Invite on April 6 when she recorded a throw of 38.81m (127-04).
The women's hammer throwers built off Holland's momentum, with all-six of the participating Redbirds qualifying for finals and finishing in the top-nine. Julia Bourke was the top ISU finisher, placing second with a toss of 56.75m (186-02). Sydney Laufenberg (52.20m/171-03), Tayler Weaver (51.33m/168-05), and Brandy Thomas (51.18m/167-11) were not far behind, placing fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively. Redshirt freshman Faith Ayodele (48.16m/158-00) and freshman Hannah Johnson (47.26m/155-01) rounded things out for the Redbirds, finishing eighth and ninth, respectively.
On the men's side, Sam Weisz and Zachary Gregory notched top-five finishes in the hammer throw. With his throw of 54.17m (177-09), Weisz placed second in a field of 17 throwers. Gregory notched a fifth-place finish with a heave of 53.04m (174-00).
Freshman Zach Fiser picked up a top-five finish of his own in the men's javelin, placing fourth with a throw of 45.03m (147-09).
ON THE TRACK
In the men's 5,000-meter run, the 'Birds placed three runners in the top-five. Skyler Arthur led the Redbird brigade, crossing the finish line second in 15:18.03. Colton Bell clocked in at 15:20.84 to place fourth, while Thomas Thornton (15:22.28) finished just behind in fifth.
Lesly Rocha held her own in the women's 5,000-meter, clocking in at 18:42.43 to place fifth overall.
NEXT UP
The Pacesetter Sports Invitational will resume tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. CT, when a variety of field events get underway. Running events will follow at 12 p.m. CT. Fans who wish to follow along can do so by following @Redbird_TrackXC on Twitter or by visiting GoRedbirds.com.
For all the latest on the Redbird Track and Field and Cross Country programs, visit GoRedbirds.com and follow the 'Birds on Twitter (@Redbird_TrackXC), Instagram (@redbird_trackxc), and Facebook (@redbirdsTF).
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